San Diego Judge Allows Strip Clubs to Open Causing Churches to Protest
The Rev. Arturo Corral (R) speaks during baptism ceremonies at the historic Our Lady Queen of Angels (La Placita) Church amid the COVID-19 pandemic on September 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Congregants from separate families are seated in socially distanced chairs and required to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. While the COVID-19 pandemic originally caused a backlog of around 600 baptisms at the church, La Placita is now able to conduct the ceremonies outdoors for the faithful in the church plaza. The church, dedicated in 1822 when California was a part of Mexico, primarily serves members of the Latino community and is the oldest Catholic church in Los Angeles. Mario Tama/Getty Images

San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel R. Wohlfeil ordered the reopening of strip clubs earlier this month. Lawyers from a law firm representing churches in California protest the judge's order, saying that it was "a constitutional travesty."

The judge released a temporary restraining order against state governor Gavin Newsom and San Diego County.

The order directs them to cease any action that prevents such establishments from being allowed to provide live adult entertainment, as reported by The Daily Wire.

The court explained that the strip clubs involved in the case is a constitutionally protected speech.

"The harm to [the strip clubs] if the Application is denied is greater than the harm to [the government] if the Application is granted," the court concluded.

Representing several churches in California, Paul Jonna, said that they are fighting for their right to peacefully assemble.

Jonna said that the First Amendment should be held to a higher standard if the court is willing accept the argument that dancing nude is protected speech.

Jonna added that they will not rest until they fully vindicate the fundamental constitutional right to worship God without government interference.

He added that the county's decision was absurd and it shows double standard.

Pastor of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, Pastor John MacArthur, has been fighting local and state authorities in court after he reopened his church in July.

Russel Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said that California has pursued policies that are inconsistent, incoherent, and not neutral toward religious assembly.

This as opposed to non-religious gatherings.

More religious leaders are facing repercussions for holding services.

Pastor Mike McClure of Calvary Chapel in San Jose, Santa Clara County was fined of at least $350,000 and a lawsuit for holding indoor services.

This started since May 31 in violation of Newsom's restrictions on churches.

Two adult clubs filed a lawsuit in October, claiming that the county's public health orders violated the businesses' constitutional rights of due process and equal protection under the law.

COVID-19 Cases in California

Newsom gave an updated about the current situation of the state with the pandemic on Monday.

The governor announced 40 counties moving back in the state's reopening plan as cases have risen in the past 10 days.

Newsom said that the state is sounding the alarm as the state is experiencing the fastest increase in cases.

He added that this was faster than what they have experienced at the start of the pandemic.

The governor added that the spread of COVID-19 could quickly overwhelm the state's health care system and lead to catastrophic outcomes.

In Bay Area, San Francisco, it changed to red tier from the least restrictive yellow tier, according to a SFGate report.

San Mateo and Marin counties are also placed in the red tier while some counties are in purple tier.

The purple tier identifies as widespread, red as substantial, orange as moderate, and yellow as minimal.

All tiers are pertaining to the level of spread of COVID-19 in the area is.